Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shakeemah Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shakeemah, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Confidence and self-esteem weren’t something I was born with—I built them through experience, trial and error, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. My journey started when I took my first solo trip. I was nervous, unsure, and questioned if I could really do it. But once I landed in a new country, navigated unfamiliar streets, and connected with people despite language barriers, I realized I was far more capable than I ever gave myself credit for.
Becoming The Passport Abuser wasn’t just about travel—it was about transformation. Every solo trip forced me to trust myself, keep myself safe and prepared, and also embrace the unknown. I learned how to move with confidence, negotiate like a pro, and find solutions instead of excuses. The more I traveled, the more I grew into a woman who could walk into any room—or any country—and feel like I belonged.
Through Travel Like a Bawse, I help other women tap into that same power. You don’t need permission to take up space in the world. Confidence comes from taking action, proving to yourself that you can handle anything, and showing up like the bawse you were meant to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
’m the founder of Travel Like a Bawse, a platform that has helped over 12,000 women confidently take their first solo trip and unlock free travel worldwide. I built this brand from my own experience—traveling to nearly 100 countries without ever creating a travel budget, saving for years, or draining my bank account. Instead, I figured out how to fly for free, maximize airline points, and leverage hotel partnerships to turn the world into my playground.
What makes Travel Like a Bawse so special is that it isn’t just about travel—it’s about empowerment. So many women hold themselves back from seeing the world because they think it’s too expensive or unsafe, or they’re waiting for someone to go with them. I break those barriers by teaching proven strategies to make solo travel safe, accessible, and luxurious—without spending a fortune.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my impact through new courses, events, and collaborations. I recently launched Fly For Free University, an in-depth program that teaches people how to travel the world for free using airline shopping portals, credit card rewards, and exclusive booking strategies. My Fly For Free University Challenge is helping more people realize that free travel isn’t just a dream—it’s a strategy.
Beyond that, I’m working on a 100-page Airport Shopping Portal Playbook and hosting a luxury travel event in Seychelles, where women can experience an unforgettable trip while learning the exact travel hacking strategies I use.
At my core, I’m an educator. Whether it’s through my courses, YouTube channel (The Passport Abuser), or live events, I want to show women that they don’t have to wait for permission to see the world—they can take control and do it now.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three things have been the most impactful in building Travel Like a Bawse and turning my passion for travel into a million-dollar business:
1. Resourcefulness
I didn’t start with unlimited money or connections, but I mastered the art of making things work. Whether it was figuring out how to fly for free, finding hotel partnerships, or growing my brand without spending a fortune on ads, resourcefulness has been key.
💡 Advice: Stop waiting for perfect conditions. Learn to maximize what’s already in front of you. Use free resources, study how others succeed, and take action—even if it’s messy at first.
2. Confidence in My Value
When I first started, I struggled with charging my worth. But once I realized the value of my expertise—how I could literally change lives by helping women travel the world—I stopped playing small. That mindset shift helped me scale my business and attract opportunities like brand deals with major companies.
💡 Advice: Know your value and own it. If you’re solving a problem, your knowledge is worth something. Don’t be afraid to charge for it, and don’t let imposter syndrome stop you from showing up.
3. Marketing & Storytelling
I turned my travel experiences into a brand by learning how to market myself effectively. I didn’t just post pictures—I told stories, educated my audience, and positioned myself as an expert. That’s how I built a loyal community and made millions teaching people how to travel for free.
💡 Advice: Learn how to communicate your story in a way that connects with people. Whether you’re growing a business, pitching a brand, or building an audience, storytelling is your superpower. Focus on impact, not just information.
For anyone starting their journey, these three skills will take you far. Be resourceful, own your value, and master the art of storytelling. The world is waiting for what you have to offer!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
That’s easy!!! Get me a passport!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepassportabuser.com
- Instagram: @thepassportabuser
- Facebook: Travel Like A Bawse
